Hinge system and a portable gangway using the hinge system

ABSTRACT

A hinge system (1, 1a) for use with a lightweight, portable gangway (100), the hinge system (1a) comprising at least three plates (2a,2b,2c), a bar (4) and a washer (6), wherein a first pair of the plates (2a,2b) are attached at either side of a lower surface (106) of a first section (102a) of the gangway (100) and the other plate (2c) is attached at approximately the centre of a second section (102b) of the gangway (100), so that when the sections (102a,102b) are brought towards each other, the first pair of the plates (2a,2b) are aligned with the other plate (2c).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to portable gangways and a hinge system for usewith such gangways. Specifically, the invention relates to a hingesystem for use with portable gangways and a portable gangway comprisingthe hinge.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Generally, gangways used aboard ships, boats and pleasure craft come invarying guises and performance ability. For ships, the gangways tend tobe heavy and require a crane, mechanical aid or another lifting machineto position the gangway in place. These gangways tend to be permanentlyfixed to the ship and are impossible to move without using the liftingmachine. They are also capable of handling heavy loads. It would beimpossible to use this type of gangway on a pleasure craft, fishingvessel or small boat due to space constraints and the weight of thegangways, at least.

Pleasure craft and small boats generally use portable, sometimeslightweight, but generally foldable gangways that can be either storedaboard the pleasure craft and boats or on dockside. They are alsolightweight enough to be lifted and positioned by two or more people.The foldable gangways can either fold around a hinge or can betelescopic in nature. While these gangways are useful for getting on oroff the boat, they are generally used on pleasure craft and would not besuitable for working boats such as fishing vessels, oil rig supply boatsand the like, as the gangways would not be capable of bearing workingloads on such vessels.

US Patent Application 31/34999 describes a lightweight, portable gangwaysuitable for use with and stored on a boat. The gangway is hinged in oneposition, bisecting the gangway in two. However, the gangway isconstructed from plywood and a typical domestic door hinge, and isconstructed for use on small boats. The gangway would not be capable ofbearing much weight (no more than the weight of a couple of people at atime) and would not be suitable for use on offshore vessels such asfishing boats and supply boats.

French Patent Application No. 2869869 describes a gangway for a boat orthe like that has two or three sections hinged together around an axissuch that sections may fold on top of each other, wherein transverseslats act as steps and the gangway can be folded to a storage box or thelike when in the folded position. Some of the sections of the gangwayfold such that they fit into each other. The locking mechanism for eachof the sections appears to be a nut and washer mechanism. However, thegangway uses a nut and bolt-type of hinge, and is generally used forpleasure craft, and would be not be capable of bearing much weight (nomore than the weight of a couple of people at a time). The gangway wouldnot be suitable for use on offshore vessels such as fishing boats andsupply boats.

GB2355021 describes a walkway comprising a plurality of sectionsconnected together by a pin and aperture hinging system and is generallyused for lying over rough ground or for use in getting into restrictedaccess sites, such as lofts, and would be not be capable of bearing muchweight (no more than the weight of a couple of people at a time), norbeing suitable for use on vessel.

None of the gangways mentioned above will pass the safe working load(SWL) tests required to meet the safety requirements for a load-bearinggangway for use in the industrial fishing or offshore vessel market. Itis an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of theabove-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided, as set out in theappended claims, a hinge system for use with a lightweight, portablegangway, the hinge system comprising at least three plates, a bar and awasher, wherein two plates are welded on either side of a lower surfaceof a section of the gangway and the other two plates are welded oneither side of a second section of the gangway.

According to the invention, there is provided, as set out in theappended claims, a hinge system for use with a lightweight, portablegangway, the hinge system comprising at least three plates, each platehaving a proximal end, a distal end and an edged surface; a bar and awasher, wherein a first pair of plates are attached at either side of alower surface of a first section of the gangway and the other plate isattached at approximately the centre of a second section of the gangway,so that when the sections are brought towards each other, the proximalends of the first pair of the plates are aligned with the proximal endof the other plate.

In one embodiment, the first pair of plates are welded on either side ofa proximal end of either one of the sections and the other plate iswelded to approximately the centre of the proximal end of either of thesections.

In one embodiment, the hinge system comprises at least four plates,wherein a first pair of the plates are attached at either side of alower surface of a first section of the gangway and a second pair of theplates are attached at either side of a second section of the gangway,so that when the sections are brought towards each other, the proximalends of the first pair of the plates are juxtaposed the proximal ends ofthe second pair of the plates, respectively. Preferably, the first andthe second pairs of plates are welded on either side of a proximal endof the sections.

In one embodiment, when the plates are juxtaposed each other, the firstpair of plates are external the second pair of plates.

In one embodiment, each plate further comprises a notch, and each platetapers from the proximal end to the distal end.

In one embodiment, the proximal end has a surface area greater than thatof the distal end and further comprises an aperture. In one embodiment,the aperture has a circumference that is larger than the circumferenceof the bar. The circumference should be large enough to provideresistance when the bar is being accommodated within the aperture of theplate, but not large enough so that the bar passes easily through theaperture.

Preferably, when the bar is threaded through the aperture of the firstpair of the plates and the other plate or through the first and secondpairs of the plates, the washer is welded to the plates and the bar,securing the bar in place. In one embodiment, when the bar is threadedthrough the aperture of the plates, the first pair of the plates and thesecond pair of the plates attached to the sections pivot around the bar.

In one embodiment, each plate is constructed from a lightweight materialselected from aluminium, carbon steel, graphene, titanium, nylon, fibreglass, aluminium steel, carbon fibre and plastic. Preferably, theplastic is selected from carbon fibre, expanded polyvinyl chloride(PVC), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene,polypropylene, polyamide-imide, fibreglass, epoxy, polyester resin,vinylester, or combinations thereof. Further examples includepolyethylene 500 grade and Polyethylene PE 1000 grade.

In one embodiment, each plate is constructed from abrasion resistantsteel or stainless steel.

In one embodiment, each plate is between about 100 mm to about 400 mm inlength and about 50 mm to about 150 mm in height at the proximal end.

In one embodiment, the plate is between about 12 mm to 20 mm thick.

In one embodiment, the bar is constructed from stainless steel, abrasionresistant steel, carbon steel, nylon, graphene or titanium.

In one embodiment, there is provided a portable gangway for use with aship or a boat, the gangway comprising at least two gangway sections andthe hinge system described above, wherein each of the gangway sectionscomprise a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, a distalend and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of each section isformed at an angle dimensioned to cooperate with the proximal end ofanother section to form a hinged section.

In one embodiment, the angle is an oblique angle of between 0.1 and 4.9°relative to the vertical axis, with the proviso that the combination ofthe angles at each proximal end of two gangway sections add up to 5°.

In one embodiment, the hinged section of the gangway is at a pitch ofabout 5° relative to the horizontal plane X.

In one embodiment, the upper surface further comprises a plurality ofsteps integrated into the body of the section. Preferably, the stepshave integrated perforations suitable to allow liquid to draintherefrom.

In one embodiment, the upper surface further comprises a plurality ofstanchions that are adapted to accommodate a handrail. Preferably, thestanchions are removable for ease of storage.

In one aspect, the handrail further comprises a bracket and bolt system,the system comprising a bracket having an aperture and a bolt, whereinthe bracket is secured to the section and juxtaposed the stanchion wherethe stanchion also is secured to the section. Preferably, the bolt isthreaded through the aperture in the bracket and through a furtheraperture in the stanchion to secure the stanchion in position.

In one aspect, the handrail further comprises a collapsible system,wherein the collapsible system comprises a hinge connecting an undersideof the handrail with a proximal end of the stanchion.

In one aspect, the handrail further comprises a link bar linking twostanchions together. Preferably, the link bar is connected to twostanchions by the bracket and bolt system.

In one aspect, the bracket and bolt system further comprises a lockingbolt adapted to secure the handrail and stanchions in position.

In one embodiment, the distal end further comprises a pair of wheels.

In one embodiment, the gangway can be folded compactly by pivoting onesection around the hinge system so that it rests on the second section.

In one embodiment, the proximal end further comprises an aperturesuitable to accommodate a locking means to secure the sections togetherwhen the gangway is in use.

In one aspect, the portable gangway further comprises a rail bracket,the rail bracket comprising a first pair of plates positioned apart andconnected to a base, and a second pair of plates. Preferably, the baseis perpendicular to the first pair of plates. Ideally, the first pair ofplates and the base each comprise at least one aperture adapted for usein attaching the rail bracket to the gangway.

In one aspect, the second pair of plates are pivotally connected to thefirst pair of plates via a pivot pin that securely engages with theplates through an aperture in each.

In one aspect, the second pair of plates are typically bolted or securedto a vertical frame of a horizontal rail on the vessel or to a verticalframe on a pierhead or other structure to allow the gangway to besecured thereto.

In one aspect, the plates are locked together in a working or a foldedposition by engagement of a locking pin.

In one aspect, the arrangement of the plates and the base permits therail bracket to hinge or swivel or pivot through 360 degrees.

In one embodiment, the plate is constructed from a lightweight materialsuch as 15 mm aluminium (selected from grade 6063T6, 6082T6, 1050,5252and 5083), carbon steel (selected from grade S235, S275, S355 and S460),stainless steel (selected from grades 316L and 304L), abrasion-resistantsteel (such as WELDOX® or HARDOX®), graphene, or titanium.

In one embodiment, the plate is between about 100 mm to about 400 mm inlength and about 50 mm to about 150 mm in height at the proximal end.Preferably, the plate is between about 150 mm to about 350 mm in lengthand about 75 mm to about 125 mm in height at the proximal end. Morepreferably, the plate is between about 200 mm to about 300 mm in lengthand about 90 mm to about 120 mm in height at the proximal end. Ideally,the plate is about 250 mm in length and about 100 mm in height at theproximal end. Preferably, the plate is between about 10 mm to 25 mmthick. More preferably, the plate is between about 12 mm to 20 mm thick.Ideally, the plate is about 15 mm thick. In one embodiment, the bar isconstructed from 30 mm stainless steel (selected from grades 316L, 304L,410L, 420, 430, 439, S30815, 314, 310S, 409, 430TI, 4589, 305, 301, 441,321, 444, DX2101, DX2304, DX2205,), abrasion-resistant steel (such asWELDOX® or HARDOX®), carbon steel (selected from grade S235, S275, S355and S460), graphene, titanium or nylon.

In one embodiment, the washer is made from stainless steel (selectedfrom grades 316L and 304L), abrasion-resistant steel (such as WELDOX® orHARDOX®), carbon steel (selected from grade S235, S275, S355 and S460)and aluminium (selected from grades 6063T6, 6082T6, 1050,5252 and 5083).

In one embodiment, the gangway is constructed from a lightweightmaterial such as aluminium grade 2014-T6, aluminium grade 6082-T6,titanium, graphene, fibre glass, wood, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the gangway is between about 4.8 meters and about 8.2meters in length. Preferably, the gangway is between about 5.5 metersand about 7.5 meters in length. More preferably, the gangway is betweenabout 6 meters and about 6.5 meters in length. Ideally, the gangway isabout 6.2 meters in length. When in storage, the gangway is betweenabout 2.4 meters and 4.1 meters in length. Preferably, the gangway isabout 2.75 meters and about 3.75 meters in length when in storage. Morepreferably, the gangway is between about 3 meters and about 3.25 metersin length when in storage. Ideally, the gangway is about 3 meters inlength when in storage. The width of the gangway sections is betweenabout 300 m and about 800 mm; preferably between about 400 mm and about700 mm; more preferably between about 450 mm and 600 mm; and ideallybetween about 480 mm and 550 mm. In one embodiment, the gangway sectionhas a width of about 500 mm. The depth of the gangway sections isbetween about 150 mm and about 500 mm; preferably between about 200 mmand about 400 mm; more preferably between about 250 mm and 350 mm; andideally between about 275 mm and 300 mm. In one embodiment, the gangwaysection has a depth of about 290 mm.

Definitions

In the specification, the term “ship” should be understood to mean aseagoing vessel that travels the world's oceans and other sufficientlydeep waterways, can remain at sea for longer periods of time than boats,and carries passengers or goods. Ships are generally distinguished fromboats, based on size (a common notion is that a ship can carry a boat,but not vice versa), shape, load capacity, and tradition.

In the specification, the term “boat” should be understood to mean acraft designed to float and travel on water, and work as an offshorevessel. A boat is a vessel small enough to be carried aboard anothervessel (a ship) or a vessel that can be lifted out of the water. Shipsare generally distinguished from boats based on their larger size, shapeand cargo or passenger capacity. Examples of boats include fishing boats(trawlers and the like), offshore supply vessels, pleasure craft (skiboats, pontoon boats, house boats, sailboats, motorboats) and lifeboats.

In the specification, the term “gangway” or “walkway” should beunderstood to be distinctly different from a ramp in that they aredesigned to be used at between about 0 and 5% gradients and tend to beused as pedestrian walkways getting to and from a boat moored alongside.The terms can be used interchangeably.

In the specification, the term “formed at an angle”, in relation to thehinged section of the gangway of the invention, should be understood tomean that the proximal end of the section is either cut or molded at anangle, typically an oblique angle, that produces a pitch of betweenabout 2° and about 8°, preferably between about 3° and about 7, morepreferably between about 4° and about 6°, and ideally about 5°, when theproximal ends of two sections cooperate with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the hinge system of the inventionfitted to the underside of two sections of a gangway.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of the hinge system of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the hinge system of the inventionfitted to the underside of two sections of a gangway.

FIG. 4 illustrates a gangway incorporating the hinge system of FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the hinged section of the gangway ofFIG. 4 using the hinge system of FIGS. 1 and 3 , where the hingedsection is at a 5° pitch, relative to the horizontal plane X.

FIG. 6 illustrates (A) a perspective view in a working position, (B) aperspective view in a folded position and (C) a further perspective viewin a working position of a rail bracket used to attach the gangway to arail of a vessel or a structure such as a pier.

FIG. 7 illustrates (A) a perspective view in a working position, (B) aperspective view in a folded position and (C) a further perspective viewin a working position of a rail bracket used to attach the gangway to arail of a vessel or a structure such as a pier.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the gangway of FIG. 4 with ahandrail and the rail bracket of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the gangway of FIG. 8 in a semi-foldedposition, wherein the handrail is collapsed and secured to the gangwaysections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention provides a hinge system for use with alightweight, portable and foldable/collapsible gangway. The gangway canbe secured in an area of a vessel, for example, alongside the boatsrail, behind the wheelhouse, on top of the gantry or even on thewheelhouse roof. When the vessel lands at port, two crew members will beable to lift and position the gangway alongside the vessel's railingsand open it out to its fully extended state.

Referring now to the figures, where FIG. 1 illustrates a generalembodiment of a hinge system of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge system of the presentinvention attached to an example of a lightweight, portable gangway, andis generally referred to by reference numeral 1. FIG. 3 illustrates thecomponents of the hinge system 1. The hinge system 1 comprises two pairsof plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 d at opposite sides of a gangway section 102a,102 b, respectively. The plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 d are connected togetherby a bar 4 that traverses the distance across the width of the gangwaysection 102 a,102 b. The bar 4 is accommodated within an aperture 10(see FIG. 3 ) in each of the plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 d. The bar 4 issecured in place by placing a washer 6 on each of an end 12 of the bar 4(see FIG. 3 also). The washer 6 is welded to the plate 2 a,2 b and theends 12 of the bar 4 to secure the bar 4 in place.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , which illustrates a further embodiment of thehinge system 1 of the present invention and in which parts or stepsdescribed with reference to the previous embodiment are assigned thesame numerals. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates that the hinge system 1a can comprise three plates, with two plates 2 a,2 b at opposite sidesof the gangway section 102 a, and one plate 2 c located approximately inthe centre of the gangway section 102 b. The plates 2 a,2 b,2 c areconnected together by the bar 4 that traverses the distance across thewidth of the gangway section 102 a,102 b. The bar 4 is accommodatedwithin the aperture 10 (see FIG. 3 ) in each of the plates 2 a,2 b,2 c.The bar 4 is secured in place by placing the washer 6 on each of theends 12 of the bar 4 (see FIG. 3 also). The washer 6 is welded to theplate 2 a,2 b and the ends 12 of the bar 4 to secure the bar 4 in place.It should be understood that the two plates 2 a,2 b can also bepositioned at opposite sides of the gangway section 102 b, and the oneplate 2 c located approximately in the centre of the gangway section 102a.

Each plate 2 is cut from a sheet of metal and comprises a proximal end21 and a distal end 22. The proximal end 21 accommodates the aperture10. In this embodiment, the plate 2 tapers from the proximal end 21 tothe distal end 22. The plate 2 further comprises an edged surface 23.Where the proximal end 21 and the edged surface 23 meet, there is anotch 30 cut out of the plate 2. The notch 30 allows the plate 2 to bewelded completely onto the section 102 of the gangway 100. The notch 30allows for a fully penetrated fillet weld completely around the plate 2,thus providing a secure attachment to the gangway 100.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a lightweight and portable gangway 100 thatincorporates the hinge system 1,1 a. The gangway of the presentinvention is generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The gangway100 comprises at least two gangway sections 102 a,102 b that areconnected together by the hinge system 1,1 a. Each gangway section 102a,102 b comprises a body 103 having an upper surface 104 and a lowersurface 106, a distal end 105 and a proximal end 107. The upper surface104 further comprises a plurality of steps 108 integrated into the body103 of the sections 102 a,102 b and a plurality of stanchions 110 thatare adapted to accommodate a handrail 150 and are removable or foldableto permit folding and storage of the gangway 100. The distal end 105further comprises a pair of wheels 109 adapted to permit the user toroll the gangway 100 along a surface. The proximal end 107 of eachsection 102 a,102 b are aligned with each other to accommodate the hingesystem 1,1 a.

In one aspect, the stanchions 110 are attached to the sections 102 a,102b by means of a bracket and bolt system 200 (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 ).The bracket and bolt system 200 comprise a bracket 202 having anaperture 204, the bracket 202 secured to the section 102 a,102 b andjuxtaposed the stanchion 110 where the stanchion 110 also is secured tothe section 102 a,102 b. A bolt 206 is threaded through the aperture 204in the bracket 202 and through a further aperture 205 in the stanchion110. The base of each stanchion 110 of the handrail 150 is linked to thebracket and bolt system 200. A locking bolt 208 is used in place of thebolt 206 in the system 200 used to connect the stanchion 110 with thesection 102 a,102 b at the end distal to where a rail bracket 300 isconnected to the gangway 100. When the locking bolt 208 is removed fromthe system 200, the handrail 150 collapses down to a folded position.Once in the folded position, the locking bolt 208 is reinserted into theapertures 204,205 to lock the handrail 150 in the folded position withthe gangway 100.

The stanchions 110 are also attached to the horizontal handrail 150using a collapsible system 400. The collapsible system 400 comprises ahinge 402 connecting an underside 152 of the handrail 150 with aproximal end 120 of the stanchion 110. The handrail 150 furthercomprises a link bar 160 linking two stanchions 110 together. The linkbar 160 is connected to the two stanchions 110 by the bracket and boltsystem 200 with the locking bolt 208 used on one end, and the bolt 206used on the other end, as described above.

To fold or collapse the handrail 150 down for storage, the bracket andbolt system 200 is dismantled by removing the locking bolt 208connecting the link bar 160 to the stanchions 110 and connecting thestanchions 110 to the sections 102 a,102 b. Once dismantled, the linkbar 160 is removed, and the handrail 150 collapses down through thehinging of the collapsible system 400. The handrail 150 and stanchions110 store flat with the sections 102 a,102 b of the gangway 100 (seeFIG. 9 ). As described above, the locking bolt 208 is reinserted intothe apertures 204,205 of the bracket and bolt system 200 to lock thehandrail 150 (and the link bar 160) in the folded position on thegangway 100. This procedure is done to both handrails 150 when two arepresent on the gangway 100.

In order to construct the hinge system 1, the edged surface 23 of theplate 2 is placed on the lower surface 106 at the proximal end 107 ofthe section 102 a,102 b. The proximal end 21 of the plate 2 extendsoutwards and away from the proximal end 107. The positioning of theproximal ends 21 extending outward and way from the proximal end 107 isto ensure that the bar 4, when engaged with the plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 d,is centred over the meeting of the sections 102 a,102 b. The centring ofthe bar 4 allows the sections 102 a,102 b rotate or hinge in a 1800range of motion. The plate 2 is welded in place on the lower surface 106of the gangway section 102 a,102 b. One plate 2 a,2 b is placed oneither side of the proximal end 107 of the section 102 a (and likewisefor plates 2 c,2 d on section 102 b), forming a pair of plates 2 a,2 band 2 c,2 d on each section 102 a,102 b, respectively. To create thegangway 100, the at least two sections 102 a,102 b are brought togetherat their proximal ends 107, and the proximal ends 21 of the plates 2 a,2b,2 c,2 d are juxtaposed each other to allow the bar 4 to traverse thewidth of the sections 102 a,102 b. The bar 4 is accommodated within theapertures 10 of the plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 d, which are lined up to createa uniform aperture between the four plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 d on the lowersurface 106 of the sections 102 a,102 b.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , when the plates 2 a,2 b,2 c,2 dare juxtaposed each other, the first pair of plates 2 a,2 b arepositioned external the second pair of plates 2 c,2 d. It should beunderstood that the second pair of plates 2 c,2 d could also bepositioned external the first pair of plates 2 a,2 b; or the plates 2a,2 b,2 c,2 d could be positioned so that the plates 2 alternate, forexample, 2 a outside 2 c and 2 d outside 2 b or 2 c outside 2 a and 2 boutside 2 d, and so on in an alternating fashion.

When referring to the construction of the hinge system 1 a, the plates 2a,2 b are welded in place on the lower surface 106 of the gangwaysection 102 a (or 102 b). One plate 2 a,2 b is placed on either side ofthe proximal end 107 of the section 102 a (or of the section 102 b),forming a pair of plates 2 a,2 b on section 102 a (or 102 b). The plate2 c is welded in place in approximately the centre of the lower surface106 of the gangway section 102 b (or 102 a). To create the gangway 100,the at least two sections 102 a,102 b are brought together at theirproximal ends 107, and the proximal ends 21 of the plates 2 a,2 b,2 care brought in line with each other to allow the bar 4 to traverse thewidth of the sections 102 a,102 b. The bar 4 is accommodated within theapertures 10 of the plates 2 a,2 b,2 c, which are lined up to create auniform aperture between the four plates 2 a,2 b,2 c on the lowersurface 106 of the sections 102 a,102 b.

Each of the plates 2 in the hinge system 1,a are further welded in placeby providing multiple passes of, for example, ARC welding, metal inertgas (MIG) welding, Gas tungsten ARC welding (GTAW or tungsten inert gas(TIG) welding), flux-cored ARC welding (FCAW), Gas metal ARC welding(GMAW), Plasma ARC welding (PAW), Shielded metal ARC welding (SMAW) andSubmerged ARC welding (SAW). The washer 6 is then welded in place on thebar 4. Once this is completed, the sections 102 a,102 b can fold over onthemselves. It should be noted that 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or any number ofsections 102 can be put together to form the gangway 100.

When the gangway 100 is opened out and in use, a locking means 140 isengaged to secure the proximal ends 107 of the sections 102 together(see FIG. 1 ). The locking means 140 is typically found towards theupper surface 104 of the body 103. A typical locking mechanism that canbe used with the invention is any suitable locking means known to theskilled person, such as a nut and bolt arrangement, a lock and keyarrangement, a cam lock, a cabin hook (a hooked bar that engages into astaple), a toggle latch, a padlock and the like. A nut and bolt lockingmeans is illustrated in FIG. 1 .

The proximal ends 107 of each section 102 are cut or molded at anoblique angle (relative to the vertical axis) dimensioned to cooperatewith a similarly dimensioned proximal end 107 of other sections 102 toform a hinged section. When in cooperation with each other, the hingedsection that is formed has a pitch of about 5° relative to thehorizontal plane X. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the hinge system1,1 a on the gangway 100 of FIG. 4 and the hinged system that is formed.When the sections 102 a,102 b are folded out and locked in positionusing the locking means 140, the oblique angle of the proximal ends 107of the sections 102 a,102 b prevents the sections 102 of the gangway 100from reaching a fully horizontal position, and the hinged section iskept at a 5° pitch relative to the horizontal plane X. The advantage ofhaving this pitched gangway 100 is that is can be subjected to a highcapacity load. The gangway 100 using the hinge system 1,1 a is capableof a high load capacity of at least 1600 kg/m² and upwards to about 2500kg/m². The increased load capacity of the gangway 100 is, in part, dueto the 5° pitch of the hinged section of the gangway when in use.

A typical gangway 100 is 6.2 meters long when in use, and 3 meters inlength in storage on board a vessel. When the gangway 100 is in use thelocking means 140 is accommodated within an aperture 142 located on theupper surface 104 of the proximal end 107 of the sections 102 a,102 b.The locking means 140, such as a safety bolt, passes through theaperture 142 on the adjoining sections 102 a,102 b to secure thesections 102 a,102 b in place when in use and prevent the gangway 100from collapsing. Once secured, the user(s) will lift the gangway 100onto the railing of the vessel with the wheels 109 first and lower thegangway 100 onto a pier and rest it on the vessels railing. At thatpoint, locking pins will be put into place so as to keep the gangway 100from lifting of the hand rail. The locking pins can be any locking pinsknown to the person skilled in the art. Further, the locking pins canalso be used to keep the gangway in a folded/collapsed state when instorage.

Turning now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , there is illustrated a rail bracket300 suitable for attaching to the gangway 100 and which will be securedto a vertical frame under a horizontal rail on a vessel to accommodateattachment of the gangway 100 to the vessel. The rail bracket 300comprises a first pair of plates 302 a,302 b positioned apart andconnected to a base 304, and a second pair of plates 303 a,303 b. Thebase 304 being perpendicular to the first pair of plates 302 a,302 b.The plates 302 a,302 b and the base 304 each comprise at least oneaperture 310 adapted for use in attaching the rail bracket 300 to thegangway 100.

The second pair of plates 303 a,303 b are pivotally connected to thefirst pair of plates 302 a,302 b, respectively, via a pivot pin 314 thatsecurely engages with the plates through an aperture in each (not shownin the figures). The second pair of plates 303 a,303 b are typicallybolted or secured to the vertical frame of the horizontal rail on thevessel or to a vertical frame on a pierhead or other structure to allowthe gangway 100 to be secured thereto. The rail bracket 300 allows thegangway 100 to pivot about 360 degrees.

In one aspect, the plates 302 a,303 a and 302 b,303 b can be lockedtogether in a working or folded position by engagement of a locking pin316 (see FIG. 7 ). The locking pin 316 prevents to the rail bracket 300from moving about its pivoting axis. When the locking pin 316 is engagedthe rail bracket 300 is in position to connect the gangway 100. Thepurpose of the locking pin 316 is if there is a direct push on thebracket 300, the locking pin 316 keeps the gangway 100 from lifting offthe rail or vertical frame it is secured to.

The plates 302 a,302 b are hingedly connected to the vertical frame andthe base 304 will be hingedly connected to the vertical frame. Thisarrangement permits the rail bracket 300 to hinge or swivel 180 degrees.When not in use, the rail bracket 300 is adapted to be store under thehorizontal rail of the vessel. When in use, the rail bracket 300 willswivel up onto the top of the horizontal rail, at which point thegangway 100 will be attached to the rail bracket 300 with a suitable pinor bolt (for example, a 30 mm stainless steel pin).

The advantages of the gangway 100 described herein can be stored inconfined spaces on board a boat; it is lightweight for manoeuvrabilityand can be lifted by a two people; it is foldable/collapsible; the hingesystem 1 also has advantages in that it can withstand heavy loads andthe structure of the channel is also designed to withstand heavy loads;the components of the hinge system 1 and the locking pins are integratedwithin the body 103 of the sections 102 a,102 b of the gangway 100, sothere are no loose components that can easily be lost; and the gangway100 can be stored easily. The rail bracket can be removed from thegangway 100 without unbolting or disconnecting. It can be fitted to anyrail around the vessel making the attachment of the gangway 100 to thevessel very versatile. The gangway 100 is also versatile in that it canbe used from vessel to shore, vessel to vessel, and vessel to astructure such as a pier head, a transom swivel or gunwale steps. Otheradvantages include the manual folding mechanism for easy storage;collapsible handrails; adjusts accordingly with the tide; has a treadplate steps for maximum strength and safety; and drainage perforationincorporated into steps to prevent pooling of liquid on the gangwaysections.

In the specification the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised andcomprising” or any variation thereof and the terms “include, includes,included and including” or any variation thereof are considered to betotally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widestpossible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore describedbut may be varied in both construction and detail.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hinge system for use with a gangway, that islightweight and portable, for a ship or a boat, the hinge systemcomprising: at least three plates comprising a first plate, a secondplate and a third plate, wherein each plate of said at least threeplates having comprises a proximal end end, a distal end and an edgedsurface; a bar and a washer, wherein a first pair of plates of the atleast three plates comprising the first plate and the second plate areattached at either side of a lower surface of a first section of thegangway and the other third plate is' is attached at approximately acenter of a second section of the gangway so that when the first sectionand the second section are brought towards each other, the proximal endof the first plate and the proximal end of the second plate are alignedwith the proximal end of the third plate; wherein the gangway comprisesat least two gangway sections, wherein each gangway section of the atleast two gangway sections comprise a body having an upper surface and alower surface, a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal endof said each gangway section is formed at an oblique angle of between0.1° and 4.9° relative to a vertical axis which cooperates with theproximal end of another gangway section of the at least two gangwaysections to form a hinged section.
 2. The hinge system of claim 1, inwhich the first pair of the plates are welded on either side of theproximal end of either one of the sections first section and the secondsection and the other third plate is welded to approximately the centerof the proximal end of either of the at least two gangway sections. 3.The hinge system according to claim 1, wherein the at least three platescomprise at least four plates that comprise the first pair of theplates, the third plate and a fourth plate such that the first pair ofthe plates are attached at said either side of a side of the lowersurface of the first section of the gangway and a second pair of theplates comprising the third plate and the fourth plate are attached ateither side of the second section of the gangway, so that when the firstsection and the second section are brought towards each other, theproximal end of the first plate and the proximal end of the second plateare juxtaposed to the proximal end of the third plate and the proximalend of the fourth plate, respectively.
 4. The hinge system of claim 1,wherein the at least three plates comprise at least four plates thatcomprise the first pair of the plates, the third plate and a fourthplate, such that the first pair of the plates are attached at saideither side of a side of the lower surface of the first section of thegangway and a second pair of the plates comprising the third plate andthe fourth plate are attached at either side of the second section ofthe gangway, so that when the first section and the second section arebrought towards each other, the proximal end of the first pair of theplate and the proximal end of the second plate are juxtaposed to theproximal end of the second pair of the plates third plate and theproximal end of the fourth plate, respectively, and in which the firstpair of the plates and the second pair of the plates are welded oneither side of the proximal end of the first section and the secondsection.
 5. The hinge system according to claim 1, wherein the at leastthree plates comprise at least four plates that comprise the first pairof the plates, the third plate and a fourth plate, such that the firstpair of the plates are attached at said either side of the lower surfaceof the first section of the gangway and a second pair of the platescomprising the third plate and the fourth plate are attached at eitherside of the second section of the gangway so that when the first sectionand the second section are brought towards each other, the proximal endof the first pair of plate and the proximal end of the second plate arejuxtaposed to the proximal end of the third plate and the proximal endof the fourth plate, respectively, and in which when the at least fourplates are juxtaposed each other, the first pair of the plates areexternal to the second pair of the plates.
 6. The hinge system of claim1, wherein said each plate of the at least three plates furthercomprises a notch, and wherein said each plate tapers from the proximalend to the distal end.
 7. The hinge system according to claim 1, whereinsaid each plate of the at least three plates further comprises a notch,and wherein said each plate tapers from the proximal end to the distalend end, and in which the proximal end has a surface area greater thanthat of the distal end and further comprises an aperture.
 8. The hingesystem according to claim 1, wherein the at least three plates comprisesat least four plates, such that each plate of said at least four platesfurther comprises a notch, and wherein said each plate of the at leastfour plates tapers from the proximal end to the distal end; in which theproximal end has a surface area greater than that of the distal end andfurther comprises an aperture; and in which when the bar is threadedthrough the aperture of the first pair of the plates and the third plateor through the first pair of the plates and a second pair of the platescomprising the third plate and a fourth plate, the washer is welded tothe first pair of the plates and the bar, securing the bar in place. 9.The hinge system (1,1 a) according to claim 1, wherein the at leastthree plates comprises at least four plates comprising the first pair ofthe plates, the third plate and a fourth plate, wherein each plate ofthe at least four plates tapers from the proximal end to the distal end;in which the proximal end has a surface area greater than that of thedistal end and further comprises an aperture; in which when the bar isthreaded through the aperture of the first pair of the plates and theother plate third plate or through the first pair of the plates and theand a second pair of the plates comprising the third plate and thefourth plate, the washer is welded to the first pair of the plates andthe bar, securing the bar in place; and in which when the bar isthreaded through the aperture of the at least four plates, the firstpair of the plates and the second pair of the plates attached to thefirst section and the second section pivot around the bar.
 10. The hingesystem according to claim 1, wherein said each plate is constructed froma lightweight material selected from aluminum, carbon steel, graphene,titanium, nylon, fiberglass, aluminum steel, carbon fiber and plastic.11. The hinge system according to claim 1, wherein said each plate isconstructed from abrasion resistant steel or stainless steel.
 12. Thehinge system according to claim 1, wherein said each plate is betweenabout 100 mm to about 400 mm in length and about 50 mm to about 150 mmin height at the proximal end.
 13. The hinge system according to claim1, wherein the each plate is between about 12 mm to 20 mm thick.
 14. Thehinge system according to claim 1, wherein the bar is constructed fromstainless steel, abrasion resistant steel, carbon steel, nylon, grapheneor titanium.
 15. The hinge system according to claim 1, wherein saidhinged section of the gangway is at a pitch of about 5° relative to ahorizontal plane X.
 16. The hinge system according to claim 1, whereinsaid upper surface further comprises a plurality of steps integratedinto the body a body of the first section and the second section. 17.The hinge system according to claim 1, wherein the distal end furthercomprises a pair of wheels.
 18. The hinge system according to claim 1,wherein the gangway can be folded compactly by pivoting the firstsection around the hinge system such that the first section rests on thesecond section.
 19. The hinge system according to claim 1, wherein theproximal end further comprises an aperture suitable to accommodate alocking means to secure the first section and the second sectiontogether when the gangway is in use.